| HOUSTON – The City of Houston, with deep regret, has postponed Houston’s Downtown Martin Luther King, Jr., Day parade and a separate Midtown parade due to weather-related public safety concerns. A trail ride scheduled for later that morning has also been postponed.
The date of the 46th annual “Original” MLK Day parade, hosted by Mayor John Whitmire and the Black Heritage Society, has yet to be determined.
A second MLK parade, the 30th Grande Parade, has likewise to be rescheduled.
The National Weather Service has put southeast Texas, including Houston, under a Winter Weather Advisory that began at 6 p.m. on Sunday evening, and is expected to last until at least 6 p.m. Monday.
Mayor Whitmire believes that safety of everyone involved is paramount.
“I made this decision based on the advice of Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, HFD Chief Sam Peña, and George Buenik, director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Public Safety, who all agreed that postponing the parade is in the best interest of public safety for parade participants, observers, and first responders,” said Mayor Whitmire.
“For several years, the City of Houston and the Black Heritage Society have joined to hold the parade to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy. While we will not be able to come together because of the forecast for dangerous wintery conditions, I urge everyone to take a moment on MLK Day to reflect on Dr. King’s teachings. Please check in on your family, friends, and neighbors to ensure they have what they need during the day and evening tomorrow,” Mayor Whitmire said.
Likewise, the MLK Boulevard trail ride in Southeast Houston, scheduled for 11 a.m. is also postponed.
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